Watch this: Tuesday

March 02, 2010

‘To Kill a Mockingbird'

8 p.m., AMC

An adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this 1962 drama is a rare film that perfectly captures the morality and psychology of its time yet transcends it with the beauty of its writing and the power of its actors. Gregory Peck, above center, won an Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus Finch, an Alabama lawyer with quiet but unshakable integrity defending a black man accused of rape. Mary Badham plays Atticus' daughter, Scout, above left.

‘The Biggest Loser'

8 p.m., NBC

The temptation winner divides the contestants into two teams — a blue one with Bob Harper and a black one with Jillian Michaels — and grants immunity to one player, but those choices alienate several other players as well as one of the trainers. Later, the contestants participate in a challenge on the roof of a very tall building; then Dr. Huizenga reveals how dramatically the players' health has improved in just seven weeks.

Alicia and Diane (Julianna Margulies, Christine Baranski) attempt to persuade a wife to testify against her husband in a murder case. Peter (Chris Noth) is back home, attempting to readjust and working on a comeback with his political team. Alan Cumming and Gary Cole guest star.

‘Parenthood'

10 p.m., NBC

Freely adapted and updated from the 1989 movie comedy of the same title, this new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Bravermans. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, "Gilmore Girls"), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger's syndrome. Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia also star.

‘Frontline'

9 p.m., PBS

Oscar-winning filmmaker John Zaritsky explores the volatile topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness, or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons, in "The Suicide Tourist." The new documentary includes unique access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses end their lives.

‘Southland'

10 p.m., TNT

The new season gets under way as Russell's replacement, Rene Cordero (Amaury Nolasco), and Lydia (Regina King) investigate the possible abduction of an elderly man by a known drug addict. Nate and Sammy (Kevin Alejandro, Shawn Hatosy) inadvertently threaten a major undercover operation as they investigate a freeway shooting. Chickie's (Arija Bareikis) new partner shoots a 13-year-old boy.